Thargomindah Community Afternoon Tea

Bulloo Shire Council Mayor, Councillor John (Tractor) Ferguson; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Glyn Dare; Councillors and staff; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; girls and boys.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I are so pleased to be in Thargomindah this afternoon, and thank everyone for showing us such kindness.

The Bulloo Shire is truly spectacular, with its unique attractions, interesting events, rich history, and stunning national parks—all topped off by the friendly, welcoming outback character that is what appeals so much to tourists—but is also what makes it such a special place for the people who live here.

Yet, just a few short months ago, when a muddy sea of water broke the levee you’d worked so hard to build, and the Bulloo River inundated the town, it must have been incredibly difficult to remain positive amongst such widespread destruction.

This unprecedented flood was marked by its volume and velocity, forced the entire community here to evacuate, and caused every local business and the majority of houses to be affected by mud, water and debris. Graziers throughout Western Queensland lost livestock, in truly horrifying numbers, and fencing and other infrastructure were washed away.

When the waters receded, there was a massive clean-up required to repair and rebuild, which I know took a physical, emotional and financial toll on everyone. But this unexpected disaster also brought stories of a different kind—highlighting the incredible cohesion and friendship of this community that saw acts of outstanding generosity and compassion.

Friends, family, neighbours and strangers worked together to enable the commercial centre of town to reopen as quickly as possible. Individuals and organisations from near and far reached out the hand of support, raising money, providing fodder and rescuing stranded livestock, donating their machinery, time, effort, and encouragement. I believe that one enterprising couple on a station just south of ‘Thargo’, started the ‘Fridge for a Friend’ initiative, and received so many donations, they could assist people in shires further afield.

And, as usual, the amazing emergency services personnel from the SES, Police, Rural Fire Brigade and Queensland Ambulance Service, all stepped in to lend their assistance, and indeed this was recognised by the Thargomindah Rural Fire Brigade being awarded the State Brigade of the Year. Congratulations to the team. Events like ‘June’s Shearers Shindig’ have also helped to lift spirits.

It is a credit to the Mayor, Councillors, and to your entire community, that given your remote location, and limited access to tradespeople, that so much has been restored so effectively.

Yet I also know that for some, the difficulties continue, and that there is enormous mental stress created by this trauma. Tomorrow, when I visit flood affected residents and hear their stories, I hope that I can provide some support, on behalf of the people of Queensland.

And when Graeme and I do the Heritage Walk around Thargomindah and chat to local business owners, I am sure we will be encouraged by knowing that the most dreadful events can also generate the most tremendous goodness.

This is profoundly inspirational and shows the heart and courage of this community, and why it is such an extraordinary part of our state.

Thank you.